By Louis Zylka
The 830 Times
The third annual Devil’s River Run for Hope will take place Saturday, April 22 at Mckenna Ranch where runners will race and jog around the Devil’s River State Natural Area.
The event is a race with the goal of raising money to help fight pediatric cancer.
There will be a 55-kilometer ultra race and a marathon starting at 7 a.m. A half-marathon will also be available for participants and will start at 9 a.m. and a 5-kilometer race.
This event benefits the Brooke’s Blossoming Hope for Childhood Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting pediatric cancer research. Jessica Hester, executive creator of BBHCCF, said she began this event in 2021 during the midst of the global pandemic. Hester said their goal this year is to raise $16,000 in honor of her daughter Brooke’s 16th Birthday, who died from cancer eight years ago.
“Half the people that show up are from the Del Rio area and the other half are people from all across Texas and even other states, and it is really exciting to see that we bring people into our community to help make a difference for children who are fighting cancer,” Hester said.
Hester created this event with help of Amanda Mcintosh, the 2005 World Masters Association 11k Champion.
Hester said the races are known as “cupless races,” thus runners will have to bring their own water bottles. Volunteers will set up water booths around the courses for participants to stop at, and shuttles will be provided to transport runners to their required destinations.
Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place winners for both men and women, and everyone who finishes a race will get a handmade finisher’s medal. Events continue until 4 p.m. with live music, an open barbecue, and raffles to win more prizes including SeaWorld tickets and other getaway trips.
Registration ends April 19, and students, military and law-enforcement can get a discount when registering but will need to email to receive a coupon. More information including registration prices for the separate races can be found on the event’s website here and on its Facebook and Instagram accounts.
